A student of mine sent me a drawing she did of a composition where she needed to identify the basic shapes. The images are below and my critique is below that. The first image is the photograph she worked from, the second is her rendering, and the third is my corrections in red.
Excellent work on the basic shapes diagram. Your shading is beautiful and you demonstrate good drawing skills and a good sense of proportions and values. This was a challenging exercise so you show a lot of talent.
The only thing I might suggest is that perhaps your core values on the shapes could be a little darker. The core value is the part of the rounded object that is farthest away from either the strong light source on the right or any reflected lights coming from the table surface or from other light objects. So that area is the darkest and is what makes an object look curved or rounded.
If you will check the diagram, you will notice the core value on the cone shape coming from the top is pretty dark; in fact it blurs with the background there so you can’t even see a line. The top cone shape is as dark in value as the shadow the cone casts on the table. Then as it travels down the cone it gradually starts to catch more reflected light coming from the table so lighten it gradually as you get closer to the table. Squinting will help you see this. Keep checking the original diagram to match your values.
The diagram shows the ball also having a darker core value as does the cylinder. If you will darken these core shapes a little more, your shapes will take on a more realistic three-dimensionality. Even the larger cube on it’s left side has a darker shadow on it.
Your background looks good and dark, which is why all the rest of your values are accurate. Just darken the core values and it will be perfect. Good job! Can’t wait to see more of your work.
